Microsoft Reveals Windows 8 App Store Pricing Details

Microsoft has revealed the pricing details of app purchases in the Windows Store on the Windows Store for Developers blog. The model's pretty standard with the existing model that Apple's set out in the App Store.

Obviously, apps can be free or paid. Paid apps can be priced in the range of $1.49 up to $999.99, with the company taking a 30 percent cut of each sale, although that percentage will be lowered to 20 percent if the app reaches $25,000 in sales. We're guessing that Microsoft's just not a fan of the $.99 standard that Apple's set.

However, developers won't be restricted to a free or paid plan. Rather, they're free to monetize as they please. A few of the monetization examples that Microsoft gave on its blog included trial periods, in-app purchases, advertising in apps, and billing through developers' own systems.

Developers are free to distribute desktop apps at their discretion, as had been done in the past. The above pricing model only applies to Metro apps, which can only be distributed through the Windows Store.

Windows 8 is slated to release on October 26 later this year.

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SinisterSalad 5 years ago

I think for the sake of promoting Metro, they should have lowered their cut for launch. It's bad enough many consumers dislike it. It's not going to entice developers to make stuff for it, either.
Camikazi 5 years ago

Crush3dWhy not just make the minimum a dollar with 50 cent increments from there.Keep it slick and simple. One dollar.

Consumers seem to like the number 9, stuff put up for sale for $9.99 seem to sell better then an item for sale for $10. That is why most every price ends in a 9, I have no clue why but it helps things sell.

Other Comments

SinisterSalad 5 years ago

I think for the sake of promoting Metro, they should have lowered their cut for launch. It's bad enough many consumers dislike it. It's not going to entice developers to make stuff for it, either.
Osmin 5 years ago

It would be wiser to start with 99 cents, like the competition, until you grab a foothold in the market. With the strength of the economy not certain, 99 cents is more palatable to consumers.
back_by_demand 5 years ago

A lot of apps are going to be free and there is the issue of the 6 million or so existing bits of software that will run on the x86 version of W8, including all the freeware and shareware
...
As long as these chargeable apps are good quality then the ones worth buying will get bought, and then make more money for the dev as they get more successful, which seems fairer
Crush3d 5 years ago

Why not just make the minimum a dollar with 50 cent increments from there.

Keep it slick and simple. One dollar.
Camikazi 5 years ago

Crush3dWhy not just make the minimum a dollar with 50 cent increments from there.Keep it slick and simple. One dollar.

Consumers seem to like the number 9, stuff put up for sale for $9.99 seem to sell better then an item for sale for $10. That is why most every price ends in a 9, I have no clue why but it helps things sell.
DRosencraft 5 years ago

Clearly a revenue thing for MSFT. If an app maker really needs to pull back some money, they can't offer it for free, and $1.49 is the next lowest option. MSFT then makes $.45 a sale instead of $.30. Don't plan on buying many apps for Win8 anyway, but really don't see this as anything but MSFT wanting more money.
socalboomer 5 years ago

Well, the percentage is the same as Apple (30%) - I don't see why they start at $1.49 instead of $.99 . . .
math1337 5 years ago

Killing metro even more. How does microsoft think that it can sell it's overpriced RT tablets when consumers know that many paid apps will cost 50% more than their iOS/android counterparts?

The only "metro" app I use is Desktop.
sun-devil99 5 years ago

CamikaziConsumers seem to like the number 9, stuff put up for sale for $9.99 seem to sell better then an item for sale for $10. That is why most every price ends in a 9, I have no clue why but it helps things sell.

Seems we are conditioned to think that $9.99 is a MUCH better deal than $10. Aside from that, they can say 'under $10' which also makes you think you are getting a good deal.
Anonymous 5 years ago

Additional Windows 8 RTM screenshots leak

http://www.techatron.net/2012/07/additional-windows-8-rtm-screenshots.html
molo9000 5 years ago

Quote:

Developers are free to distribute desktop apps at their discretion, as had been done in the past. The above pricing model only applies to Metro apps, which can only be distributed through the Windows Store.

so... can non-Metro software be distributed through the Windows Store or not?
CaedenV 5 years ago

molo9000so... can non-Metro software be distributed through the Windows Store or not?

not as of yet, but there is nothing preventing them from being able to in the future.
sundragon 5 years ago

Wow, they really stuck to Apple's model. I wonder how they are going to deal with apps written for Intel chips vs ARM tablets.
I think to be competitive, they should stil with the $.99 standard and go up - They can adjust later if things work but it keeps them competitive when you see similar apps on platforms selling for less.
killerclick 5 years ago

If anyone was wondering why Microsoft won't let users disable Metro or at least boot to desktop, it probably has something to do with that 30% cut and the fact that Microsoft decides which Metro apps you can use on your PC.
jhansonxi 5 years ago

killerclickIf anyone was wondering why Microsoft won't let users disable Metro or at least boot to desktop, it probably has something to do with that 30% cut and the fact that Microsoft decides which Metro apps you can use on your PC.

Maybe $999.99 is for the Metro-disable app.
zulutech 5 years ago

NOOOOOOOOO. Why most Microsoft follow Apple?? Why???
pjmelect 5 years ago

Die Windows 8 Die.
tomfreak 5 years ago

if they are smart enough, a 20% cut is more than enough. You need to undercut ur competitor to be success.

I hope they start offering Apps store that completes with steam for games on desktop windows. -75% on games? NO need for steam or whatever clients!
xerroz 5 years ago

It's certainly going to benefit those who create software such as video converters, photo editors ,etc etc. There's a ton of freeware on the internet but your average user isn't one who can find them on their own or even trust them.
RADIO_ACTIVE 5 years ago

Way to be competitive MS by charging $ .50 more than your competitors lol

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